Governors warn Congress over debt limit

This combination of undated 2012 file photos shows, from left, Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe; Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. The three governors, who are trying to piece together their own state budgets, are anxiously watching the ongoing stalemate in Washington as Republicans and Democrats struggle to avert a potential plunge over the federal "fiscal cliff." (AP Photo/File)

The Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 11:56 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 11:56 a.m.

WASHINGTON — Governors are warning Congress that lingering uncertainty over raising the nation's debt limit could hinder their state budgets and job growth.

This combination of undated 2012 file photos shows, from left, Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe; Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. The three governors, who are trying to piece together their own state budgets, are anxiously watching the ongoing stalemate in Washington as Republicans and Democrats struggle to avert a potential plunge over the federal "fiscal cliff." (AP Photo/File)

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell and Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin are outlining state agendas in 2013 as part of the National Governors Association.

Markell says the postponing of spending cuts under the "fiscal cliff" deal and a lack of action on raising the debt limit has led to uncertainty for businesses just as states are rebounding from the recession. The Delaware Democrat says if the debt limit isn't raised soon, there will be disruptions in federal spending and capital markets that could hurt states.

Fallin, a Republican, says deficit reduction shouldn't be accomplished by simply shifting costs to states. She says states should be treated as "partners, not underlings."

Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.